Meet the Team
Neil Lloyd
Network Director
Neil set up Zokit in 2013 and now heads up the strategic growth of the national network.
He’s been in business since the age of 16 in a range of roles including running a digital marketing agency and business coaching and training consultancy. He has also held various senior management roles in the public sector.
He says “The future of business is in the power of networks, collaboration and knowledge sharing. By being part of a proactive community of successful businesses you can grow your business bigger, better and faster.”
He often speaks about entrepreneurship, networking, team dynamics, creative innovation, positivity and growth mindset at conferences across the world, based on research from his postgraduate studies.
Monmouthshire born and bred, he now lives between Cardiff and Bristol but can usually be found travelling the high seas or on a coastal path somewhere in his hiking boots.
Random fact: Neil once bumped into David Bowie in a book shop in San Francisco.
Al Barbosa
Director of Business Development
Meet Al Barbosa, the dynamic Director of Business Development, where his mission is to be at the forefront of expanding Zokit’s network in London, by fostering and empowering our thriving community of highly successful local professional business owners in the capital.
Al’s academic roots are firmly planted with a Master’s in Business Administration from Clemson University and a Bachelor’s in Computer Science from the University of Miami. Al‘s professional career spans 12+ years in IT & Data Communications with Fortune 50 firms like Microsoft, AT&T, NCR and GTE.
But it’s Al’s 20+ year adventure in the marketing of luxury estate properties with firms like Sotheby’s International, Berkshire Hathaway and Barbosa & Co. that truly showcases his entrepreneurial spirit. His passion for coaching fellow team members, experience in contract negotiations, strategic marketing and branding, makes him a catalyst in driving business success.
When he’s not charting new territories in business development, Al indulges in the finer things in life—travelling the globe, reveling in the adrenaline rush of sports cars, and embracing the serenity of beach life. He has a particular passion for fine dining and mixology.
“Zokit London is about building a loyal family of business associates that can become each others ace cards during challenging times while creating a legacy of success and enjoying life to it’s fullest!”
Random Fact: Al is a bit of a Karaoke star, with Elton John and Neil Diamond numbers top of his picks.
Justin Thomas
Hub Leader
Tech expert Justin Thomas is director of IT company SIARP and also leads a Zokit hub in West Wales.
After joining as a member some years ago, Justin brings the business boosting powers of Zokit to the brilliant business communities of Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion.
He says “Networking is fantastic, it really is. It amazes me how many people with small businesses have never tried it.”
Rachel Thomas
Hub Leader
Rachel runs virtual administration and management business, Assistify, is co-director of SIARP IT Support and leads a Zokit hub in West Wales.
She’s passionate about the benefits of effective networking to create a sustainable business and thriving business community.
She says “Running your own business can be lonely… but you’re not on your own! Being part of a friendly supportive network of business owners who understand the challenges and stresses of running a business and can share their wisdom and celebrate success with you is invaluable!
Dyfrig Thomas
Systems Partner
Dyfrig helps design, create and support the automated systems that keep everything running efficiently in the background.
He runs LEFf Business Development and Consulting. He is a business coach based in Penarth and has extensive experience in the education sector and with SMEs
Jo Davies
Photographer, Marketing & Social Media Assistant
Jo is firstly a commercial photographer and artist. Within Zokit in her part time role, Jo uses her creative skills to make impactful graphics to promote events and members. She engages with our audience across our social media accounts, growing our followers to maximise our reach for the benefit of our members as well as updating our websites and supporting new member onboarding.
Jo always dreamed of being a photographer, trained as one, but then life got in the way, until about 15 years ago, and the rest, as they say, is history. Alongside photography, Jo is also creates stunning pet portraits, and this artistry also gives a creative feel to Jo’s photography work.
Random fact: Jo once sat amongst a colony of penguins on a trip to the Falkland Islands.
Jade Barry
Finance Assistant
Jade looks after our invoicing and bookkeeping and is part of our customer support team.
This Could Be You!
Your Hub, Your Business
If you’d like to become a Hub Leader in an existing Zokit Hub or start a new hub network as a Zokit Business Growth Director, please contact us to arrange an informal conversation about next steps.